Mental health recovery process;CARE GIVERS ROLE

A caregiver, whether a family member or friend, is an important person in the life of someone with a serious mental health condition. The support offered by caregivers is valuable to a loved one’s recovery. This help, along with medicine, therapy, interventions, and peer support, is  essential to helping a family member or friend feel better. As a caregiver, there are many different responsibilities to take on which provide support through the treatment process. If a loved one is open to receiving support, you may be able to help him or her manage their condition by:

• Going to doctor visits together
• Keeping in contact with his or her healthcare professionals (if you have been granted permission to)
• Helping him or her maintain a daily routine at home
• Helping him or her with daily activities
• Making sure your family member or friend is taking his or her medicine
• Watching symptom breakthroughs or relapse triggers
• Asking your loved one or friend to discuss ways to help him or her follow his or her treatment plan.

Many at times, the stories of caregivers to persons with mental illnesses goes untold, and as such, little is known of the ups and downs that they encounter in their quest to ensure that their loved ones live and lead comfortable lives regardless of their mental illnesses. 

An example is that of Sheila Mwaniki, as featured in K24'S Faraja. This is is just but a drop in the ocean of the many untold caregivers stories in our country.